Let's give credit to Michael Anthony for his gorgeous backup voice ❤

That’s the first track of their debut album, that band certainly knew how to make an entrance.

Growing up with an older sister that loved Disco, hearing this was like watching the Sun break through the clouds for the first time.

First track on their debut album that blew us away back in the day. A great new sound. A great album worth reacting to.

David Lee Roth is the son of a doctor. He's no street thug but he liked to write about being one. This whole album is fire. Atomic Punk please.

You said it “Their hooks are big and heavy” you got it 👍

🔥🎸🥁💣 This is the album that introduced Van Halen to the world! In the 70s we used to blast this song out our ghetto blasters on the school bus every day, also Jamie‘s crying! Lol

When this song hit the airwaves in 1978, the sound of rock music changed once again. EVH left his guitar contemporaries in the rear view mirror.

He is talking about his life on the road touring with the band. Single , no wife or kids and running loose.

True story. Grew up in NJ and was reading about this new band out of Cali called Van Halen. Went down to Seaside Heights which is a beach town on the Jersey shore. They had a boardwalk with arcade stands up & down the boardwalk. At one of the stands you would put a quarter on a number , they would spin a wheel with numbers on it & if it stopped on your number you won. You could pick any record they had. They had about 100 to choose from. I picked Van Halen 1. Drove home and put the record on at my friends house. Needless to say we all had our jaws on the floor. It was 1979 and because of Saturday Night Fever The Bee Gees & Donna Summer ruled the airwaves. Rock was kinda dead then this album came out. No one was playing guitar like that & we put the needle back 3 times in a row to hear Eruption again & again. This album may have very well saved rock n roll. More young kids wanted to learn to play guitar like that after hearing this record. And the best part , i got that record for 25 cents !

I was at a party in 1978 and this was coming from downstairs. I had to go and see who it was I was listening to. Been in love with Van Halen since then. Both eras - Roth and Hagar - have produced some bangers and I loved them all.

Driving home at 5AM in the middle of January with the windows down smokin' a fatty and this is pouring out every window in that Skylark with my buds coming home from Minnesota, what a great trip, what a great choice!

Van Halen The most ultimate Rock Band of all time R.I.P EVH

It was Jan. 1978... I was a senior in HS. I was at my older buddy's custom car shop, he always had great music on the radio, turned up loud. I heard this amazing version of "You Really Got Me" blasting out. I had to find out who it was... it was a new band called Van Halen. I knew the Kinks version of "You Really Got Me" and loved it, but this was different. The intensity, the guitar tone, the vocals. Instant fan and been a huge fan ever since. "Runnin' with the Devil" was the second single they released. By then I had the album. Great times and great memories!

He's talking about how he's living his life. Wild and free with no love.

You guys are spot on. Van Halen had their own sound. In fact, Eddie's guitar sound was so different, he called it the Brown sound. There will never be another Eddie Van Halen. You guys are going to really enjoy exploring the mighty Van Halen. They have so many great hits.

One of the best debut albums ever. Saw them 3 times between high school and college. Just a fun, high energy band that played LOUD! Ears rang for days.

Man fellas you killin it. This song thumps. That bass

Went to see Journey at the Opera House here in St Louis (3500 seats). Van Halen was the warm up group on their first national tour. I had never heard of them, so you might imagine my reaction (OMFG!!!!).

My best bud in high school had a shitbox Nissan 200sx. He had a stereo put in it that was probably twice the price of what he paid for the car. This album was the first cassette we popped in. Since this was the first song it christened the stereo and speakers. That was so epic, i can still remember it. What a time to grow up!!!!!

“Ice Cream Man” is a must hear.

Love the analysis … bridging generations of different music tastes

Give some props to the rest of this band Eddies brother Alex on drums Michel on that killer bass and those high notes on back up and both of their front men loved them both. Eddie was a influencer highly respected by his peers.

Right on about those lyrics my man...at the end of the day we all from the same play.

“Yes I’m living at a pace that kills” Love that line

The entire album is all killer no filler.

As I have mentioned many times, the Black Sabbath and Van Halen outdoor show in 1979 was on a very short list of my best ever concerts.

Please do the rest of this record. Banger after Banger.

Eddie said when they started to record this track the producer Ted Templeton wanted to double the guitars, but after hearing Eddie play the main riff he said whoa this doesn't need another guitar track.

Do their first whole Album!!!! Do not skip to another song from them unless it’s their next one which is Eruption/You Really Got Me!!!!

Van Halen (Van Roth) was so great. Hard,melodic & a great sense of humor.

This is the first hard rock album I really got into as a teen. It is my personal favorite Van Halen album.

Keep it up boys! This is opening music up. And helping to understand eachother in a fundamental way anyone can grasp. Hats off to you fellas!

Loved how you found the commonality in listening to good music that’s tells a universal story in a different genre. You and your friends sharing the lyrics and meanings from your Run DMC and LL Cool Jay etc and them sharing their Van Halen and Black Sabbath etc lyrics and meanings together in those days would have been a cool event. Building bridges instead of divisions. Great that you are discovering these things with your reactions. I get another perspective too!

78 and we didn't know then what a legend EVH was!! Backing vocals and bass line courtesy of Michael Anthony, seriously underrated!! Damn GREAT memories!! 🎉 Missing Ed. 😪

This was such a unique album. A new sound that blew our minds. It was THE topic of conversation at school for weeks. I actually remember where I was, and who was there, the first time my buddy placed the needle on the album.

THIS was my late husband's main jam. I musta heard it a hundred times a day on the weekends. Memories ❤ "Full Volume!"

Yay!! This entire album is incredible. Love this song. They have a deep, deep catalogue.

in the late 79 and early 80s summer was filled with sounds of car radios blasting Van Halen....brings back so many memories....

I remember when this album hit... VH's 1st.. it was the only record at the time that you could turn up to 10+ without being distorted out?

Product of the times. Look around what do I see. Yeah! Rock and Roll baby. 😊

This song was the world’s introduction to Van Halen. The rest is history!

The "Brown sound". Thick, rich, and chocolate tone.

The next song on the album is "Eruption". Y'all reacted to the live version, but you should really react to the studio version of "Eruption" / "You Really Got Me" - they really go together. This was their first album and they really burst on the scene - they sounded like nobody before. There's a lot of great songs on this album, and since you started with the first track you should just go through the album as a whole.

Great attention to detail, nice reaction... Van Halen came out the gate with both feet running, with or without the devil. Please, do play the whole debut album... You're going to love it.

Bang on, right, guys ! You guys are my favorite reactors. I can tell you Beastie Boys and NWA were my introduction to hip hop .

"Aint Talking Bout Love" should be your next from Van Halen. Same album. I wouldn't say they came from the street, but they mixed and navigate enough with it to understand.

This firs album by Van Halen was the first cassette tape that I ever bought. My boom box wore it out.

Great song, you can never overestimate how important this album was, along with Are You Experience and the debut albums for Zeppelin and Sabbath, they opened an entirely new era of how to play rock and Eddie instantly became inspiration for the 80s shredders. I hope you are reacting to the entire album, there are no bad songs or dead space, they were making a statement to planet Earth. Can't wait for the Atomic Punk! Enjoy. 🎵🎸🎤🎶

First song off first album. Classic and introduced Eddie Van Halen to the world.

Eddie Van halen gave Jimmy Page a run for his money. ....one of the most distincctive guitar sounds ever......Eddie caught the ear of Quincy Jones and Played Guitar on Micheal Jackson's Beat it...one of the crispest and unique guitar sounds ever....sometimes life makes you "Run with the Devil"....hard to believe these guys started in the late 70s

Imagine hearing this when it first hit the air waves...nothing like it was ever heard before. Remember cranking this in my car with a JVC Super Tuner and Jenson 3 way speakers.

I was a kid in the late 70's and Van Halen were the kings of rock back in the 80's...long live Van Halen...RIP Eddie

9th grade !! Blaring this on a boom box lol

A great guitar riff. 👍👍🎶🎶🎶

Based !! Love you guys

The band (and album) that killed disco & punked punk music; saved rock music, and birthed a million wannabe EVH. They brought the 80's music into 1978! This song is about the band trying to make it in the music biz and the difficulties surrounding that journey. Like "Highway to Hell" from AC/DC. Review Romeo Delight next. It's on their 3rd album-Women & Children First. You'll love it!

Great reaction! That’s was fun! Great song! They weee really great in the later 70s!

It's always good to be open minded to different styles of cultures and music

Great song guys. Early Van Halen was insane. I saw them open for the Rolling Stones in 1981 and had to move as the sheer volume from the speakers and the crowds crushing towards the stage scared me, but once I found a safer spot higher up the concert was pure joy.😊 Imagine Mick listening to them before they came on! Thanks so much for reacting to this one - your channel is great!!

love it, always dead on with the reaction. Gotta admit that I only watch when you review something I like, but so far you liked them all too, and that has made the trip more fun. From what I've heard, it sounds like you are musicians, can't wait to hear some of your stuff... Nothing better than a collaboration of real musicians, and if word gets around, you guys will probably have some great opportunities.

"Mean Street" by them is a real banger too.

This music was part of the soundtrack of our youth, and every kid in school practiced the Van Halen logo. When you heard any Van Halen song you could pick out that signature Eddie Van Halen (EVH) sound…

1st song 1st side 1st radio hit !!!

David Lee Roth is a karate expert multiple black belts. He's fluent in Spanish worked as an EMT for a decade in NY City up in Washington Heights in the 90s after Van Halen kicked him out of the band and his solo career died out. His father was a successful doctor in California for decades. His uncle used to own the Cafe Wha? In Greenwich Village, Hendrix played there often in the mid 60s before he made it big!! I met Diamond Dave in a deli in NY City ,right near Washington Square Park.A few years prior to him rejoining Van Halen. He was totally cool and approachable! I asked him about the rumors of a possible VH reunion and he said Eddie VH had quit drinking but is a total ass when he doesn't drink the booze. He said Eddie was throwing cold water on the reunion idea at the time. Dave Lee Roth said to me, "If VH gets back together we could sell out Giants stadium 5 nights in a row tomorrow". I had to agree with him! He was totally cool and was like a typical California surfer ,stoner dude! What a character! From what I recall it was after DLR acted like an ass at the MTV music awards. The original VH was back on the stage together presenting an award and it was the first time in a decade they had been on a stage together.. DLR showed up Beck, the dude getting the award and the Van Halen brothers were pissed at Dave cause no one in the audience gave a shit about Beck's award once they saw VH together. Their stage presence rendered Beck invisible!!! So after this incident it took quite a few more years before VH with DLR would reunite. Dave's behavior cause them to seriously reconsider playing with Diamond Dave again!

"...but a 'hood is a 'hood..." Damn straight...luv it! 😎

Great reaction. I had that album when it came out and loved it....Thanks...GOOD LUCK BP

There may be double meaning, but always thought it was about life on the road.

Seen them live 1984 THE BEST.

Pure Van Halen! :)

This whole first album deserves a listen, it's incredible. And it's funny about you guys were commenting on the lyrics, Because around this time, David Lee Roth was known for doing just crazy ass stuff like jumping out of upper story Hotel Windows into a tiny pool below and so forth. He injured himself a number of times. He *think* he also had a black belt in something or other, Gung Fu maybe.

Panama is my favorite Van Halen track. The vid is hilarious 🤣

We comin from the same places.. just expressing it differently.. such a beautiful thing.. love you guys!! xo

I’m learning a lot from you and the commenters and this was my era! We listened to Pure guitar heaven and didn’t care about meanings, but that said, it’s good to learn from this channel. You’re in my top 5🔥

I remember when this album came out and I was at a friends party in his first apartment! Big night big song! Great days ❤

Senior is HS when they released their self-titled deput album in 78. What a LP. Got married in 84 and as a wedding gift got tickets for VH. They were touring supporting their new Album 1984. Check out 2 tunes off the album back to back. Drop Dead Legs & Hot For Teacher. More of a fan of their earlier stuff. Awesome reaction gentlemen. RIP Eddie ❤️

Another great reaction. I sincerely appreciate and share your enthusiasm for this music. I feel the same way--through you I re-experience music I know. Fun and gratifying. Here's a couple of factiods for you: Eddie Van Halen did that distinctive, blistering guitar solo on Beat It. He did it on the sly, so one day the rest of the band hear the song on the radio and are like WTF?!?! 😆 Van Helen originated in some upscale LA neighborhood. Though at first they played birthdays and bah mitzvahs, from the very first they performed like they were in a stadium. The rest is history, haha. Peace!

Bring everyone together, luv it

Really appreciate you guys tracing Music History.....keeps the music alive.....and back in the early 80s.....there wasnt any differnce between Hip Hop and Rock.......IN Jersey we had Mix tapes of NWA and Public Enemy with Sound Garden, The Clash, and Metalica....we would pick up on the street of NYC....great era of music

This is a great album top to bottom, second to only Fair Warning in my opinion. Do Jamie's Crying next and hear the sample that Tone Loc used in his hit Wild Thing.

Nice. One of the best debut albums of all time.

Kid you not , I was at a RR crossing gate when i heard that intro...i thought I was doomed. Run away train man ! Lol. They filled a rock void for me.. a fix after the 70s teenage music gold I enjoyed.

Just subbed to your great channel. Been watching your Doors and Van Halen videos all day. Alex Van Halen is the drummer. Those two dudes are fire.

Great talk fellas!

I love it running with evereyone

Phenomenal song and Album!

Great reaction. Appreciate your sincerity.

I wasn't a fan of VH when they first came out. Probably because that's all everyone at my high school listened to for a year. But then I saw them in concert in '79 and they put on a helluva show, so I became a fan. The style of guitar playing was so unique at the time. One thing Eddie Van Halen did was change the way people played rock guitar. The man was a big influence on music of that era. Everyone became finger tapping, a hundred notes a second, whammy bar dive-bombing EVH clones. Which was cool for awhile. It's impressive and a very complicated style of playing. They have a lot of great songs. I prefer the David Lee Roth VH , but since I'd been a Sammy Hagar fan since his Montrose days, I thought he was the perfect replacement.

When this album came out, nobody knew what to think!!!!

Glad you’re exploring the VanHalen rabbit hole; there’s so much to explore. Looking forward to the comparison between the Roth and Haggar eras from you. The hooks and the Melodies are quite different yet satisfying at the same time. The writing styles differ from being “gangster “ to ( you fill in the blank) at the appropriate time. 👏😉

Excellent commentary as always, guys.

Eddie and Alex' family came to America and SoCal, mixed race, couldn't speak English, and with $50 to their name. They took a lot of grief, and built their American dream.

You can't imagine how this sounded in '78. And you guys are right, the entire 80's rock scene was based on VH, everyone was trying to sound like, look like Van Halen.

When Rock-and-Roll enjoyed its initial surge of popularity in the mid-50's, many fundamentalist Christians recoiled in horror. To them, rock's ''savage rhythms,'' and the thinly concealed sexual double entendre of many rock-and-roll lyrics, made it ''the Devil's music. Keep in mind, Van Halen had a great 'tongue-in-cheek' sense of humour. Running With The Devil is a great example of this.

On the 1984 tour they opened with this song. You could feel that base. and of course Eddie was off the charts.

That whole album is 🔥 🔥 🔥.

This song is how most of us first heard Van Halen

Awesome reaction.

0:20 1978 - this is from their debut album

You gotta do Hot For Teacher next. Make sure you use the official video. It's comic genius and the song is incredible.